Hollenhorst Plaques

Multiple hollenhorst plaques observed in the main and smaller branch arteries.
  • Cholesterol emboli which usually dislodged from the carotid arteries, or calcific fragments from a stenosed aortic valve.

Clinical Features

  • Symptoms: usually give no symptoms.
  • Signs:
    • Planar or flat-shaped, minute, bright, refractile, golden-yellow crystals that most commonly found at bifurcations of retinal arteries
    • Blood flow may not be disrupted because of the shape of the crystal.

Management

  • Patients with atherosclerotic risk factors such as DM or hypertension require an embolic workup including echocardiography or carotid doppler
  • No treatment is required.